Commonwealth Land Trust owns and manages over 150 apartments in Lower Roxbury and Chelsea, serving formerly homeless and low- to moderate-income families. Many residents have lived in CLT housing for decades, including Althea Niles, Richard Brown, and Sara Rosa, who share their stories here.

Althea is surrounded by butterflies. They adorn her walls, rugs, vases, picture frames, and refrigerator. An 80-year-old lifelong resident of Lower Roxbury, Althea has been living in her butterfly-filled apartment for over 60 years. She was present when Commonwealth Land Trust (CLT) assumed management of the property in 1985 and is a valued member of the CLT community. more…

“I’ve been living within a quarter mile radius of my home at 1059 Tremont Street nearly all of my life,” says Richard Brown, an 86-year-old educator and activist. He has served on CLT’s Board of Directors and chaired the Lower Roxbury Residents’ Association since CLT assumed management of the property in 1994. more…

“When people have a nice place to live they are inspired to improve their community,” says Sara, a resident of CLT’s Lower Roxbury Apartments since 1996. “They are inspired to do better for themselves and their families.” more…